Reward Offered After Dog Found Abandoned With 'Deeply Infected And Painful' Neck Laceration

YONKERS, NY — Law enforcement officials are asking for the public's help after a dog was found in desperate condition in a Westchester cemetery.

WARNING: This article contains descriptions and images that may be disturbing.

SPCA Westchester's Humane Law Enforcement Unit (HLE), under the direction of Ernest Lungaro, in a joint investigation with the Yonkers Police Department Detective Division, is asking for help identifying a dog and the person who abandoned the animal. A $1,000 reward is being offered by the NYS Humane Association for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the horrifying case of animal abuse.

On Nov. 21, a one-year-old, tan mixed breed, now named "Frankie," was captured on camera before he was dumped on Saw Mill River Road in Yonkers near the Oakland Cemetery. Frankie was rushed to a local veterinary hospital with a deeply infected and painful laceration to his neck and throat, largely exposing his underlying tissue. His injuries required a two-hour-long emergency surgery, according to law enforcement.

"Without proper veterinary care, this sweet dog would have likely succumbed to his injuries," SPCA Westchester CEO Shannon Laukhuf said in a statement. "Sadly, Frankie also appeared to be neglected as he was extremely underweight."

SPCA Westchester's HLE Unit is urging anyone with information to call their Confidential Animal Cruelty Hotline at 914-941-7797.